Communication, Engagement and Community Building: Enabling the Use of Research Infrastructures

In the context of Open Science, Research Infrastructures (RIs) increasingly operate as socio-technical systems whose effectiveness depends not only on technical robustness but also on their capacity to build, sustain, and engage communities of users and stakeholders. This chapter examines the communication, engagement, and community-building strategy developed within the FOSSR Research Infrastructure, focusing on how communicative practices support access, uptake, and meaningful use of infrastructural services in the social sciences. Drawing on theories of science communication, productive interactions, and participatory approaches, the chapter conceptualizes communication as a relational and strategic asset rather than a mere dissemination function. Empirically, it analyses a multi-channel communication ecosystem combining digital platforms, participatory events, policy-oriented formats, and an innovative Action Research methodology aimed at fostering reflexivity, co-design, and internal learning. Particular attention is devoted to the development and use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Engagement Indicators (KEIs) as tools for monitoring communication performance and early engagement dynamics in a pre-operational phase. The chapter argues that integrated communication and engagement strategies play a constitutive role in enabling Research Infrastructures to generate social relevance, consolidate user communities, and prepare the conditions for long-term sustainability and impact.